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SAN FRANCISCO'S SECRET SISTER
San Francisco is consistently
ranked among the top five romantic cities in the US. Water always
makes a place more romantic and it’s doubly blessed with the
Pacific Ocean on one side and the picturesque bay on the other.
While in San Francisco there are
the famed Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf to
see and the historic cable cars to ride. Now add some hilly terrain,
fascinating, yet diverse architecture and dozens of the best
restaurants in the world and it is no surprise why couples flock to
this city on the bay for Honeymoons and romantic getaways.
I’ll let you in on a little
secret. There is a place on the other side of the Bay that doesn’t
get as much press but is certainly worthy of consideration for
romantic weekend. The city is Berkeley, well known for it's University and the "hippie" movement a few decades ago.
The University is worth a visit in its park-like setting as are the
many cafes and interesting shops that fills a couple of the avenues
within this compact and pedestrian friendly city.
Overlooking the city of Berkeley
and Bay is the castle-like Claremont Spa & Resort. For over 80 years this grand hotel has pampered guests like you
wouldn’t believe. The Claremont is not the sort of hotel you come
back to late at night after a full day of site seeing. If you are
staying here, you will want to spend most of your waking hours
indulging yourselves in the luxury and riches this palace offers.
When Athena and walked into our
room, we were greeted with a scrumptious display of strawberries and
cream in a "box" made entirely of chocolate. Nearby, a
bottle of champagne was chilling, patiently waiting for us. Our
bathroom even had a whirlpool tub. We soon discovered our twin
bathrobes hanging in the closet. My terry-cloth robe was so warm and
embracing that it was a very sad moment when I had to take it off to
get dressed for dinner.
I am glad we did go down to dinner
as the four course meal served in Jordan’s, the Claremont’s
signature restaurant was the perfect way to end the day.
There are many fancy hotels in the
San Francisco area but we were fortunate to be able to stay in the
only one that also has a European Spa. We spent most of our second
day getting massages and lounging in the pool, hot tubs, steam room
and sauna. Next time we’ll try out the two outdoor pools and the
tennis courts. Plan ahead for reservations. This place often books
up weeks in advance.
MORE ROMANTIC
GETAWAYS
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